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Munich Squares: Koenigsplatz

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Munich Squares: Königsplatz

The Königsplatz (constructed between 1817 and 1862) in the Munich area Maxvorstadt was created by Karl v. Fischer and later by Leo v. Klenze on the model of European classicism, in this case of the Acropolis of Athens.

Appointed by crown prince Ludwig (later Ludwig I.) who wanted to express the connection between Bavaria and Italy, Karl v. Fischer extended the royal road between Residenz and Nymphenburg Palace to become the luxurious main road Briennerstrasse.

In order to interrupt the rigid pattern of the Maxvorstadt, he expanded the road to create space for a square.

The Königsplatz was not only supposed to show the connection with Italy but also to be a center of cultural and social life as well as to combine Catholizism, royal administration and military embedded in lawn and trees. It was completed by the architect Leo v. Klenze who kept the basic concept of Karl v. Fischer.

The arrangement of the Königsplatz with temple buildings at three sides is purely symmetrical: the "Antikensammlung" (collection of classical art) by Karl v. Fischer in the south with Corinthian columns and the Glyptothek of similar design, but with Ionic columns, by Leo v. Klenze in the north. The propylaea with columns of Doric style in the west were also designed by Leo v. Klenze according to the propylaea in Athens and viewed as symbolic city gate.

The antique appearance of the Königsplatz is enhanced by its slight inclination towards the propylaea which creates the impression of the temples being on a hill like in Athens.

During the Nazi regime, the Königsplatz was "redesigned", i.e. lawn and trees were removed and the ground was covered with square paving stones from all parts of the German Reich. It was used for parades and meetings of the NSDAP in this period.
During the Second World War, particularly the temple buildings were severely damaged.
Only in 1987/88 was the original state of the Königsplatz restored including the removal of the square paving stones.

Königsplatz

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